Aspirants give sitting MLAs sleepless nights in north Pune district

Pune: There are four Assembly segments in north Pune district. NCP (AP) has three sitting MLAs in Khed, Junnar and Ambegaon. Though the party has given them the AB form, a number of aspirants is a major headache for them.

Meanwhile, it appeared that NCP (SP) MLA Ashok Pawar had no match in the rival camp. However, former ZP member and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Dnyaneshwar Katke joined the NCP (AP).

Haveli’s self-respect may impact

The Congress-NCP had their MLAs in Shirur for most terms. Sitting MLA Ashok Pawar is contesting for the third term. There were discussions that Pawar was in trouble over irregularities in Ghodganga sugar mill. It was predicted that he would have to work very hard to retain his seat.

However, Pawar strengthened his position during the Lok Sabha elections in Shirur. He has also taken care that potential aspirants keep quiet. Thus, he has left no option before the Maha Yuti-NCP (AP).

In this backdrop, Katke joined the NCP (AP) on Monday (October 21). It is clear that he would get the party ticket. This will raise the Haveli’s self-respect issue. Citizens from Haveli have been dreaming of electing a resident of Haveli as the Shirur MLA. Katke is likely to get support of all other parties, which could pose a major challenge to MLA Pawar.

Atul Benke’s problems grow

Problems have increased for sitting Junnar NCP (AP) MLA Atul Benke. BJP leader Asha Buchke is also an aspirant from the segment. She staged a show of strength at Ozar. A large number of women were present. She is determined to contest the poll even as an independent. Buchke has sympathy of all other parties.

Satyashil Sherkar is another strong contender. He was accompanying Sharad Pawar during his tour of the constituency. Pawar told all party aspirants to reach a consensus over the candidature through discussion. But that has not happened yet. As it was concluded that Sherkar would be the only option, former ZP member Sharad Lende’s name was forwarded. Lende had helped the then State Minister Vallabh Benke during the poll. Now, that will not happen. Moreover, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Mauli Khandagale is also an aspirant.

Headache for Walse Patil, Nikam

NCP (AP) leader and State Minister Dilip Walse Patil and NCP (SP) leader Devdatta Nikam seemed to be directly fighting for the Ambegaon Assembly seat. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ramesh Yewale has entered the fray. He hails from Gangapur in Ambegaon western belt. He has been helping villagers affected by disasters and supporting infrastructural development in the area. He enjoys a good rapport with villagers. Though he belongs to the Shiv Sena (UBT), he is frequently spotted with NCP (SP) local leaders and workers. This has given jitters to both Walse Patil and Nikam. Efforts are being made to persuade him, but in vain.

Deshmukh challenges Mohite Patil

All-party leaders have united against Khed NCP (AP) MLA Dilip Mohite Patil. They have not decided their candidate yet. NCP (SP) aspirants Atul Deshmukh and Sudhir Mungse are aspirants. Deshmukh planned a get-together of his supporters to underline his determination to contest this time but it was not held on Sharad Pawar’s instructions. He polled the third largest votes in the 2019 election. He is determined to fight. If other party leaders support him, he could pose a formidable challenge before Mohite Patil.